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Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of traditional food and
fast food.
 
Which type of food do you prefer and why?
Corrected Sample Answer:
 
In our modern, fast-paced society, traditional food has often been replaced by fast food
alternatives. There are advantages and disadvantages to both traditional and fast food
meals, but I prefer traditional food because it is healthier, less expensive and more
enjoyable to prepare, eat and share.
Fast food has advantages and disadvantages. Firstly, fast food restaurants are plentiful
and provide take-away meals that can be consumed on the run, so busy individuals do not
have to sacrifice valuable time to eat their meals. Pre-packaged meals can also be
prepared at home with little effort and can be prepared in minutes. However, fast food
also has its disadvantages. For example, fast food is often expensive. Fast food is
frequently high in fat and salt, which, when consumed on a regular basis, can contribute
to health problems like obesity and high blood pressure.
Similarly, traditional food also has advantages and disadvantages. The advantages of
traditional food preparation are that the ingredients of a traditional meal are often
healthy, inexpensive, in season, and produced locally, sustaining local farmers and
growers. The seasonings added to traditional meals are usually varied and enriching to
the diet. The disadvantages of traditional cooking are that the meals often take time and
careful effort to prepare. Some people may view this as an advantage, however, because
the skill of the cook becomes more important, the ingredients and flavours are studied
and savoured, and the tradition surrounding the ritual of meal preparation and the
following gathering places value on family, community and cultural tradition.
In my opinion, while fast food is convenient and easy, it is often unhealthy and
expensive. Personally, I prefer to take a few extra minutes to prepare a meal which is
worth savouring and sharing than to indulge in expensive fast food meals that are greasy,
salty and, in my opinion, unsatisfying. 
(307 words)

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